Harman SF-250--Performance

Cap · By: **Cap** On: Sun Feb 19, 2006 11:57 pm

Almost a month ago, I installed thermometers to record temperatures in the firebox, heat collector & flue piping.

Full firebox 2-8 hrs burn time--constant 900-1050F
Heat collector--250-325F
Flue pipe--175-230F

Back in Jan with above normal ambient temps I reduced the firebox nearly 33%.

Reduced firebox 2-8 hrs burn time--constant 650-725F
Heat collector--200--235F
Flue pipe--150-170F

I am amazed at the constant temperature I will record in the firebox after the initail heat generated from a refill settles down. This proves the superiority of a coal stove for heating purposes. You will obtain a very steady and constant temperature for a long period of time.

Shortly after a refill with ash door open, I will see 1000-1150F with 400-450F in the heat collector and 300F+ in the flue pipe. But these numbers are only occur with full draft and obviously I cannot allow the unit to continue to build heat with the door open as ithe firebox temp will become dangeroulsy high.

I am very pleased with this unit. Some of you may recall I had just purchased it new late in Dec to replace an older Mark III. The SF-250 is installed in my basement with the heat collector piped to to first floor living area. Durning the day I do turn off the fan motor and plenty of heat will easily rise out of the heat collector thus adding savings to my heating costs this winter. This season, I have $525 invested in solid fuel. I have friends who burn natural gas spending $300-$400 per month. Incredible! Enough said.

davemich · By: **davemich** On: Mon Feb 20, 2006 7:36 am

Mark, good to hear you are getting what you paid for! Coal is the ticket for an even heat source and beats the pants out of wood and its also easier and cleaner to maintain. I would like to know if there are any users here that are not happy with their stoves and why. My guess is there won't be any unhappy coal users here.

AL-53 · By: **AL-53** On: Mon Feb 20, 2006 6:54 pm

Hey Mark

Glad to see every thing is working out well for you...You seem to be in good control of the stove.,,,

By next year you will have it all tweaked and be able to relax and enjoy the warmth a little more and put the saving from gas in your pocket and coal...

Good Luck

Al